Innovation and knowledge exchange systems for sustainability: The case of urban agriculture in Maputo

The international community set the goal “Zero Hunger” as one priority in its global commitment of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. One priority is also given to urban areas; cities are growing fast but... [ view full abstract ]

The international community set the goal “Zero Hunger” as one priority in its global commitment of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. One priority is also given to urban areas; cities are growing fast but economically highly unequal and access to safe and healthy food remain problematic for urban disadvantaged groups. Recent studies have shown that particular in Sub Saharan Africa urban agriculture can play a pivotal role contributing to income generation and food and nutrition security if adopted adequately. In this context, agroecological practices are widely recognized as a key for the production of healthier and safer food. Urban Agriculture in Maputo, Mozambique is an income source for more than 10% of the population and has two main functions: commercialization and subsistence, still, 1300 ha are used for agricultural activities. Main challenges are on production as it is characterized by weak diversification and harmful use of inputs with impacts on human and environmental health. In the last six years, just 79 out of 11.000 organized farmers adopted agroecological innovations such as the use of plant protection product and diversification in crop production. For better marketing options, farmers got certified by the newly introduced Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). The aim of the study is to investigate innovation and knowledge exchange systems to identify successful ways of dissemination. For this purpose, we use the Innovation System Approach, where we look at all involved stakeholders in the innovation process, their role, networks and applied knowledge exchange mechanisms. Our special focus is on the introduction of agroecological techniques applied by urban farmers and PGS quality assurance for associations. Using an action research approach and based on qualitative and quantitative data obtained from the urban farmers and main stakeholders, the study looks at the type of agroecological practices, challenges and constrains of production and commercialization. We also expect to find out what the reasons and motivations are for farmers to adopt agroecological practices. The assessment of the innovation and knowledge exchange system allows us to identify drivers and barriers for a successful dissemination. Based on the results, a multiplication strategy can be developed and results could be transferred to policy makers and urban planners. Considering the vision of making Maputo’s green zones more sustainable, this can contribute to urban food and nutrition security on the one hand, and on the other hand to a more sustainable city in terms of environmental friendly areas with benefits for the community.